Technology
& Policy for Disaster and Humanitarian Response
90-795
Last offered in Spring 2007
Instructor: Joseph S. Mertz
Units: 6
Natural disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes, and humanitarian emergencies such as famine and refugee mass migration create overwhelming communication, coordination, and resource management challenges to the governments and private agencies who respond. Information systems and communications technologies are taking on an increasingly critical role in managing disaster and humanitarian response. This graduate course will engage students in exploring the technologies and technology-related policies involved in this response. This is a seminar course that will require active student participation and contribution. Students will perform literature reviews, contact practitioners, participate in discussions, document findings, and deliver presentations.
Topics will include:
- general principles of disaster and humanitarian response
- inter-agency coordination
- resource management
- communication with media, families, and the public
- modeling disaster response
- the role of local organizations and community-based response
- disaster preparedness
- moving from first response to rebuilding and reconstruction
- market opportunities and public responsibilities
The course is open to seniors if space is available and with instructor approval.
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